The Compass Rose Podcast

In this episode, Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, sits down with Ben Lewis and Angela Vranich, Co-Founders of Little Spoon, a kids' nutrition brand that that delivers organic, fresh baby food and meals for toddlers and kids directly to customers' homes.
Key Moments in This Episode:
Turning DTC insights into product innovation
Building trust with millennial parents through education
Scaling without sacrificing quality
Leading with emotional connection and mission-first thinking

As people who are passionate about purpose-driven CPG brands, we couldn’t wait to sit down with Jennifer Jorgensen, CEO of Back to Nature.
She’s not just leading the charge at Back to Nature she’s revitalizing a legacy brand for today’s conscious consumer.  With a powerful blend of empathy, strategy, and bold decision-making, Jennifer demonstrates what it means to lead with both heart and business acumen.
In this episode, Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, unpacks the transformation of Back to Nature as it reclaims its roots in plant-based simplicity and moves toward a cleaner, more intentional product line.
From managing reformulation without alienating loyal customers to redefining what “better-for-you” actually means, Jennifer shares the challenges and breakthroughs of modernizing a beloved brand while staying true to its mission.
Here are a few highlights from our conversation:
* How Jennifer approached reformulating legacy products while maintaining consumer trust
 
* The strategy behind bringing purpose and profitability together in a crowded CPG landscape
 
* Lessons on leadership, team culture, and empowering people through change
 
* Why Back to Nature is leaning into its plant-based identity—and what that means for product innovation
 
* The importance of transparency, storytelling, and staying grounded in values during brand evolution
 
Join us in listening to the episode to learn how one leader is thoughtfully scaling a heritage brand with modern relevance and building a stronger future for the next generation of better-for-you foods.

When Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, first tried Aplós, she knew there was something different, sophisticated, calming, and beautifully intentional.
In this episode, Rose sits down with David Fudge, Co-founder and CEO of Aplós, to unpack how he’s not just building a brand—he’s reimagining what it means to unwind. From Bonobos to beverage, David’s journey is a masterclass in blending creative vision with operational strategy.
We dive deep into how Aplós is breaking category codes while anchoring to timeless consumer desires. David shares how his fashion-forward, design-driven mindset helped shape a non-alcoholic spirit brand that’s as emotionally resonant as it is operationally sound.
Whether you’re a founder, marketer, or brand strategist, this episode is full of insights that will have you rethinking what brand-building really means today.
Here are a few key moments to listen for:
* How David leveraged a non-beverage background to challenge industry norms—and why not knowing the rules can be an asset.
* The concept of “disciplined disruption”: choosing which category codes to break and which to honor.
* Why bartenders—not just consumers—are key to Aplós’s advocacy and growth strategy.
* Building a go-to-market strategy rooted in both aspiration and data: from DTC learnings to luxury retail partnerships.
* David’s powerful mantra: “Be convicted in vision, malleable in strategy,” and what it means for modern founders navigating fast-changing landscapes.
Join us in listening to the episode to discover how David is crafting more than a product. He’s creating a cultural shift in how we gather, relax, and connect. This is a story of vision, values, and the bold art of brand building.

In this episode, Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, sits down with Sachi Singh, Founder & CEO of Rootless, a brand focused on providing sustainable seaweed-based products, particularly for women's health, with a focus on hormone balance and overall well-being.

In this episode, Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, sits down with Scott Turner and Nick Lagonia, Co-founders of Misery & Mayhem,  a brand focused on protein-packed oatmeal designed to fuel athletic performance and recovery.

In this episode, Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, sits down with Pete Maldonado and Rashid Ali, Co-founders and Co-CEOs of Chomps, the fastest-growing food brand in the U.S. From humble beginnings to over $500 million in retail sales, Pete and Rashid have built a brand redefining the snacking industry with high-quality, healthy, and delicious meat snacks. What I love about this conversation is how Pete and Rashid dive into the lessons they've learned, the mistakes they've made, and the strategies that have fueled their success. Whether you're a founder, a business leader, or someone passionate about entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable takeaways.
Key Moments in This Episode:
Building from Scratch: How Pete and Rashid leveraged their complementary skills and a deep understanding of their customers to build a loyal community around Chomps.
Focus on Brand Awareness: Why keeping brand awareness ahead of distribution has been their key to scaling successfully while maintaining customer loyalty.
Lessons in Resilience: How bootstrapping through challenges—like raising $1 million in a weekend to fund a Trader Joe's order—helped them grow sustainably.
Innovation with Simplicity: The power of focusing on a core product lineup while introducing customer-driven innovations like pantry packs to meet evolving needs.
The Chompian Culture: How Pete and Rashid maintain their original values and foster a strong company culture, even as their team and operations scale rapidly.
Join us in listening to this insightful episode where Pete and Rashid share the secrets behind Chomps' incredible growth and their mission to create a better-for-you brand that resonates with consumers. Let's dive into their journey and learn how to build a purpose-driven and wildly successful business. Enjoy the show! For more on Chomps, visit their website. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand a rating and review. Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify. Your support helps us bring you more content like this!
Today's Sponsors:
Compass Rose - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/contact/ Compass Rose Ventures can help your CPG brand increase customer lifetime value, expand into the U.S. market, create an omnipresent omnichannel footprint, optimize customer journeys, build brand communities, and more. Visit the link above to learn more.

From Big Nutrition to Personalized Wellness
Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, speaks with Mike Glick, Co-founder and CEO of Goode Health. Mike shares his journey from large-scale nutrition to creating a cutting-edge personalized superfood brand.
The Goode Health Mission
Mike's passion for nutrition and his dedication to empowering people to improve their health are clear throughout the conversation. He explains how Goode Health integrates technology, data, and smart design to turn daily routines into sustainable healthy habits.
Key Takeaways from the Episode
Mike's transition from Abbott Nutrition to launching Goode Health and his focus on personalized wellness.
The science of superfoods and the role of polyphenols and clean ingredients in health-focused products.
The importance of personalization using wearables, biomarkers, and technology to enhance nutrition strategies.
How Goode Health supports trends like GLP-1 use and nutrient-dense diets.
The emphasis on retention strategies from day one, using tools like journals and recipe guides.
Why Personalization Matters
Mike discusses the significance of personalization in health. Goode Health's data-driven approach is designed to help users build sustainable wellness habits that fit their unique needs.
Learn More About Goode Health
Discover more about Goode Health and its innovative approach by visiting https://www.goodehealth.com/. Learn how they're revolutionizing nutrition with technology and personalization.
Support the Podcast
If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review for The Story of a Brand Show. Follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support allows us to bring more inspiring content.
Acknowledgments to Our Sponsors
Compass Rose Ventures - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/contact/. They help brands optimize journeys, expand markets, and build communities. Augmentum Media - Influencer Marketing for Consumer Brands: https://www.augmentum-media.com/story. Book a 30-minute consultation and receive a personalized influencer strategy plan.

Transforming Healthcare with Nutrition
Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, hosts Eziah Syed, Co-founder and CEO of MEND, in this episode. They discuss Eziah's inspiring journey and mission to revolutionize healthcare through nutrition.
The Vision Behind MEND
Eziah shares personal stories that sparked his passion for creating a brand focused on holistic healing. He explains how MEND combines clinical nutrition with behavioral science to impact patients, athletes, and the healthcare sector positively.
Key Challenges in Healthcare
The conversation highlights challenges like prevention gaps and the need for better tools for doctors to improve outcomes. Eziah also discusses balancing innovation with execution and the role of micro-habits in personal wellness.
Key Highlights
The personal story behind MEND’s mission to revolutionize healing.
How MEND’s clinical-grade products accelerate patient recovery.
The role of nutrition in filling gaps in traditional medicine.
Balancing innovation with operational focus in startups.
The importance of micro-habits for wellness and resilience.
Learn More About MEND
To explore MEND’s groundbreaking work, visit MEND. Discover how they are reshaping healthcare through nutrition.
Support the Podcast
If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review for The Story of a Brand Show. Follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support helps us create more inspiring content.
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
Compass Rose Ventures - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/contact/. They specialize in enhancing customer lifetime value and building omnichannel strategies. Augmentum Media - Influencer Marketing for Consumer Brands: https://www.augmentum-media.com/story. Schedule a 30-minute consulting session and receive a personalized influencer strategy plan.

In this episode, Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, speaks with Eric Malka, Co-founder of The Art of Shaving and leader of Strategic Brand Investments.
From Small Business to Iconic Brand
Eric shares his journey of building a globally recognized brand. His insights into intellectual property, grit, and execution offer practical lessons for entrepreneurs and brand leaders.
Lessons on Brand Building and Customer Engagement
Eric emphasizes creating long-term brand value by protecting intellectual property and staying connected to customer needs. He explains how using retail stores as "customer labs" helped him better understand his audience and refine his brand strategies.
Key Moments from the Podcast
The value of intellectual property in building lasting brand equity.
Turning great ideas into actionable steps with flawless execution.
How resilience and grit help overcome entrepreneurial challenges.
Insights gained from using a retail store as a testing ground for customer feedback.
The balance between prudence and risk-taking in entrepreneurship.
Advice for Entrepreneurs
Eric provides actionable advice for navigating the challenges of scaling a business. He stresses the importance of execution and understanding the difference between being cautious and overly risk-averse.
Learn More About Strategic Brand Investments
To explore Eric’s new initiatives, visit Strategic Brand Investments. For his book, “On the Razor's Edge: The Story of The Art of Shaving,” head to Amazon.
Support the Podcast
If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review for The Story of a Brand Show. Follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support helps us create more insightful content.
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
Compass Rose Ventures - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/ramon/. Schedule a complimentary consultation for expert guidance. Shopline - An All-in-One Commerce Solution for Brands: https://www.us.shopline.com/story. Book a demo for a free three-month trial to streamline operations and boost conversions.

Today, Rose Hamilton, founder of Compass Rose Ventures, speaks with Wendy Strgar, the founder of Good Clean Love. Wendy shares her passion for women’s wellness and offers fresh insights into vaginal health.
The Link Between Vaginal Health and Wellness
Wendy explains how vaginal health connects to overall well-being. She highlights the importance of maintaining a balanced vaginal microbiome and discusses the challenges many women face in getting accurate diagnoses and proper care.
The Story Behind Good Clean Love
Wendy shares the inspiration that led to founding Good Clean Love. She describes how the brand’s innovative products are helping women live healthier lives and improve their daily wellness.
Key Highlights from the Episode
The role of the vaginal microbiome in supporting overall health.
Common misdiagnoses in vaginal health and ways to address them.
How Good Clean Love creates safer and more effective women’s health products.
The groundbreaking work of Vaginal Biome Science, a spin-off company founded by Wendy.
Wendy’s tips for consumer brands aiming to support women’s wellness.
Making a Difference in Women’s Health
Wendy discusses the innovative steps her company is taking to improve diagnostics and create effective treatments for women. Her journey highlights the need for better education and resources in this important area of health.
Learn More
For additional information, visit Good Clean Love and Vaginal Biome Science. These platforms provide resources and products to improve women’s health.
Support the Podcast
If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review for The Story of a Brand Show. You can also follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support helps us share more valuable content.
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
Compass Rose Ventures - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/ramon/. Get expert CPG advice with a complimentary session. Shopline - An All-in-One Commerce Solution for Brands: https://www.us.shopline.com/story. Schedule a demo for a free three-month trial and streamline your brand’s operations.